CONCORD, N.C.– Roush Fenway Racing and Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), have announced the extension of their long-running and equally successful NASCAR partnership. The relationship, which spans over a decade and a half, pairs two elite organizations with long histories of automotive performance excellence. RFR will continue to use Valvoline’s revolutionary NextGen recycled, re-refined motor oil, which last season helped the team to a win in the famed Daytona 500 and its second consecutive NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship.

Trevor Bayne, Roush-Fenway Racing

Photo by: Valvoline

“Our history with Valvoline is one of the richest in the sport and they have certainly been a vital part of our heritage and success dating back to the early 90’s,” said team owner Jack Roush. “As an engine enthusiast, I understand the importance of lubricants in relation to our success on track and our ability to win races and complete for championships, and we are certainly happy that Valvoline will continue to be a part of our program as we embark on what we feel will be another championship run in 2013.”

Valvoline, a leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive products, will continue to be the exclusive motor oil provider for Roush Fenway Racing; NASCAR’s winningest Team.

"Valvoline is excited to continue our long standing relationship with Roush Fenway Racing. The history of our two brands is a perfect combination of winning culture, leading technology and great people. We are excited to have such a solid technical and marketing partnership that provides a performance advantage for Roush Fenway and a marketing advantage for Valvoline,” said Rob Clendening, senior brand manager of global brands at Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline).

NextGen motor oil is made of 50 percent recycled, re-refined motor oil and delivers 100 percent Valvoline quality, offering optimum engine protection in a product that's also better for the environment. "Closing the Loop" – for professional drivers and everyday consumers alike – is a step towards reducing our dependence on foreign crude oil and preserving our existing resources by collecting and returning your used oil for recycling, and then refilling crankcases with NextGen.

Running NextGen technology in its vehicles is just one aspect of Roush Fenway’s advanced sustainability strategy.

"We are dedicated to sustainable operations – from our solar energy system to our efforts in waste reduction,” said Roush. “We recycle 96 percent of every race car, so the ability to use a high-quality recycled motor oil that can help us win on the track and help the environment is a winning scenario for everyone involved.”

Roush Fenway will kick of the 2013 season next month at Daytona Speedweeks, where RFR drivers have won three of the last four Daytona 500s, including last season when after sweeping the pole for the famed event.